U.S. patent application number 15/453416 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-14 for dispensing unit and methods for dispensing.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Sherwin-Williams Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Sherwin-Williams Company. Invention is credited to Victor J. LEVAND, Lowell D. LUEKING, Michael O'BANION.
Application Number | 20170259297 15/453416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59788294 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170259297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVAND; Victor J. ; et
al. |
September 14, 2017 |
DISPENSING UNIT AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention includes methods for
dispensing and an apparatus for dispensing. In particular
embodiments, the barrel design of an apparatus for dispensing and
provided in a method for dispensing is formed to encase and/or
engage a material container. By encasing and/or engaging the
material container within the barrel, expansion, such as tube
expansion, is reduced and/or eliminated.
Inventors: |
LEVAND; Victor J.;
(Lyndhurst, OH) ; O'BANION; Michael; (Westminster,
MD) ; LUEKING; Lowell D.; (Lake Wylie, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Sherwin-Williams Company |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Sherwin-Williams
Company
Cleveland
OH
|
Family ID: |
59788294 |
Appl. No.: |
15/453416 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62305356 |
Mar 8, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05C 17/0123 20130101;
B05C 17/00596 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B05C 17/005 20060101
B05C017/005; B05C 17/01 20060101 B05C017/01 |
Claims
1. A dispensing unit comprising: a dispensing mechanism; a barrel
extending from the dispensing mechanism and having a cavity defined
therein, wherein the cavity extends longitudinally within the
barrel and the barrel includes a first barrel portion and a second
barrel portion encasing at least a portion of the cavity when in a
closed position; the first barrel portion attached to the
dispensing mechanism and forming a seating surface for a material
container; the second barrel portion moveably attached to the first
barrel portion by a pivot mechanism such that the second barrel
portion is positioned opposite the first barrel portion in an
inverted relationship, substantially encasing the cavity, when in
the closed position and pivots to at least one side of the first
barrel portion, exposing the cavity, when in an opened position;
and a clasp mechanism for securing the second barrel portion to the
first barrel portion in the closed position.
2. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the barrel is formed to
be in substantial communication with a material container
positioned within the cavity and configured to prevent movement,
including expansion, of the material container.
3. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the barrel is formed to
be in communication with an entire perimeter of a material
container positioned within the cavity and configured to prevent
movement, including expansion, of the material container.
4. The dispensing unit of claim 1 where the barrel is formed to be
in substantial communication with a cylindrical perimeter of a
cylindrical material container positioned within the cavity and
configured to prevent movement, including expansion, of the
material container.
5. The dispensing unit of claim 1 where the barrel is formed to be
in communication with an entire cylindrical perimeter of a
cylindrical material container positioned within the cavity and
configured to prevent movement, including expansion, of the
material container.
6. The dispensing unit of claim 1 further comprising a cutoff
device.
7. The dispensing unit of claim 6 wherein the cutoff device is
detachable from the dispensing unit.
8. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the cutoff device further
comprises a puncture mechanism.
9. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the cavity is adjustable
by an adjustment mechanism at the barrel and the first barrel
portion and the second barrel portion, together and including the
adjustment mechanism, are formed to be in substantial communication
with a material container positioned within the cavity and
configured to prevent expansion of the material container.
10. The dispensing unit of claim 9 wherein the adjustment mechanism
is at the clasp mechanism and the pivot mechanism.
11. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the pivot mechanism is a
hinge.
12. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the clasp mechanism is
affixed to the second barrel portion and removably fastened to the
first barrel portion.
13. The dispensing unit of claim 12 wherein the second barrel
portion is removably fastened by a rapid mechanism.
14. The dispensing unit of claim 1 wherein the clasp mechanism
includes one or more sawtooth(s) which removably engage the first
barrel portion.
15. The dispensing unit of claim 14 wherein the first barrel
portion includes one or more raised edges which the one or more
sawtooth(s) removably engage.
16. A detachable barrel for attachment to a dispensing unit, the
barrel comprising: a barrel having a cavity defined therein,
wherein the cavity extends longitudinally within the barrel and the
barrel includes a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion
substantially encasing the cavity when in a closed position; the
first barrel portion removably attachable to a dispensing mechanism
and forming a seating surface for a material container; the second
barrel portion moveably attached to the first barrel portion by a
pivot mechanism such that the second barrel portion is positioned
opposite the first barrel portion in an inverted relationship,
substantially encasing the cavity, when in the closed position and
pivots to at least one side of the first barrel portion, exposing
the cavity, when in an opened position; and a clasp mechanism for
securing the second barrel portion to the first barrel portion in
the closed position.
17. A method for dispensing, the method comprising: inserting a
material container within a barrel of a dispenser in an open
position, the barrel comprising a cavity wherein the cavity extends
longitudinally within the barrel and the barrel includes a first
barrel portion and a second barrel portion substantially encasing
the cavity when in a closed position, the first barrel portion
attached to a dispensing mechanism and forming a seating surface
for a material container; the second barrel portion moveably
attached to the first barrel portion by a pivot mechanism such that
the second barrel portion is positioned opposite the first barrel
portion in an inverted relationship, substantially encasing the
cavity, when in the closed position and pivots to at least one side
of the first barrel portion, exposing the cavity, when in an opened
position; and a clasp mechanism for securing the second barrel
portion to the first barrel portion in the closed position; closing
the barrel into a closed position wherein the material container is
substantially encased within the cavity of the barrel; securing the
first barrel portion to the second barrel portion with the clasp
mechanism; engaging the perimeter of the material container in
substantial communication with an interior surface of the barrel to
reduce expansion; initiating the dispensing mechanism and applying
pressure to the contents of the material container from a first
longitudinal end of the barrel; and dispensing sealant from a
nozzle of the material container extending from a second
longitudinal end of the barrel.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/305,356 filed on Mar. 8,
2016 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Field
[0003] The invention described herein relates to a method for
dispensing and an apparatus for dispensing.
[0004] Description of Related Art
[0005] Material dispensing units, such as caulking guns, are well
known in the art. When a material container is used in combination
with a dispensing unit, the structure of the material container is
relied on to encapsulate, control, and maintain the movement of the
contents. Material containers, however, flex under pressures
exerted by dispensing units which leads to inconsistent
application.
[0006] While the combination of material containers within
dispensing units are known, it is desirable to improve the
performance of a dispensing unit used in combination with the
material containers.
SUMMARY
[0007] The dispensing unit and barrel design of the present
invention provides a lightweight, durable, and efficient dispensing
alternative to the caulk guns currently on the market. As used
herein, the materials being used with the dispensing unit include
any liquid component desired to be dispensed in a controlled
manner, such as through a nozzle or the like. Examples of which
include, but are not limited to, sealants, adhesives, acrylic latex
products, silicone products, granular substrates, paints, coatings,
waterproofing, crack sealers, liquid sealers, fireproofing,
firestopping, grease, etc. Applications of these materials include,
but are not limited to, interior applications, exterior
applications, roof applications, joint applications, flooring
applications, window applications, concrete applications, plastic
applications, steel applications, building material applications,
automotive applications, manufacturing applications, industrial
applications, etc. For descriptive purposes, this application
generally refers to sealants, however, it is understood that any of
the above materials and applications are contemplated to be used
with the present invention and are a part of the disclosure of the
present invention.
[0008] The present invention provides for the possible adjustment
between a fixed and adjustable thrust ratio and, in combination
with the barrel design, provides for a more efficient dispensing of
sealant material. Included in the present invention is a more
efficient no-drip feature for further increased efficiency, when
used independently or in combination with the barrel design of the
present invention.
[0009] In the present invention, the barrel design substantially
encases the material container. By encasing the material container
within the barrel, expansion, such as tube expansion, is reduced or
eliminated. By reducing or eliminating expansion, pushback onto the
dispensing mechanism is also reduced or eliminated. Pushback
reduces the effective sustained actuator strokes, thereby reducing
the efficiency of the dispensing unit. Pushback occurs when the
force exerted on the sealant within the material container forces
the container to expand and/or bulge at its perimeter. The flexing
of the container causes the plunger connected to the dispensing
mechanism to be drawn back toward the dispensing mechanism, thereby
interrupting or disturbing the flow of the sealant from the
material container. By reducing or eliminating pushback, the
efficiency of the effective sustained actuator stroke is improved.
This improvement provides increased efficiency and time savings
when using the dispensing unit of the present invention.
[0010] Particular embodiments of the present invention include a
dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a dispensing
mechanism. In some embodiments, a barrel extends from the
dispensing mechanism. A cavity is defined within the barrel and
extends longitudinally within the barrel. The barrel includes a
first barrel portion and a second barrel portion. The cavity is
substantially encased between the first barrel portion and the
second barrel portion when the barrel is in a closed position. The
first barrel portion is attached to the dispensing mechanism and
forms a seating surface for a material container. The second barrel
portion is moveably attached to the first barrel portion. In
various embodiments a pivot mechanism forms the point of moveable
attachment. The pivot point connects the first barrel portion to
the second barrel portion so they are opposite one another in an
inverted relationship, when in the closed position. The second
barrel portion pivots to at least one side of the first barrel
point, exposing the cavity, when in an opened position. A clasp
mechanism may secure the second barrel portion to the first barrel
portion when in an closed position.
[0011] In other embodiments of the present invention, the barrel,
as described above, may be a detachable barrel for attachment to a
dispensing unit. Thereby, the barrel is claimed independent of the
dispensing unit.
[0012] Additional embodiments of the present invention include
methods for dispensing. Particular embodiments of a method for
dispensing include inserting a material container within a barrel
of a dispenser, as described above. The material container is
inserted when the dispenser or barrel of the dispenser is in an
opened position. The dispenser or the barrel of the dispenser is
then closed into a closed position. In the closed position the
material container is substantially encased within the cavity of
the barrel. In the closed position the first barrel portion is
secured to the second barrel portion with a clasp mechanism. To
reduce expansion, the perimeter of the material container is in
substantial communication with the interior surface of the barrel.
The dispensing mechanism is initiated and pressure is applied to
the contents of the material container from a first longitudinal
end of the barrel. Sealant may be dispensed from the nozzle of the
material container extending from a second longitudinal end of the
barrel.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numbers represent like parts of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which
particular embodiments and further benefits of the invention are
illustrated as described in more detail in the description below,
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit in an open
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit in a
closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an end view, from a second longitudinal end, of a
barrel of a dispensing unit in a closed position, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a barrel of a
dispensing unit in a closed position at 4-4 of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a barrel,
including a barrel attachment mechanism, at 5-5 of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-section view of a dispensing unit,
from a first longitudinal end of a barrel, at 6-6 of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an end view, from a second longitudinal end, of a
dispensing unit in a closed position, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a bottom view a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an end view, from a second longitudinal end, of a
dispensing unit in a closed position, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a top view of a dispensing unit in an opened
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a side view of a dispensing unit in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present invention includes apparatus and methods for
dispensing sealants. Specifically, the present invention includes
apparatus and methods for dispensing sealants from pre-packaged
material containers, such as sealant tubes. In embodiments of the
present invention, pre-packaged material container(s) of sealants
are inserted into a cavity of a barrel wherein the pre-packaged
material container(s) are secured. The barrel is either an integral
component of a dispensing unit or attached to a dispensing unit. In
various embodiments, the inside surface of the barrel hugs or
engages a significant portion of the perimeter of the pre-packaged
material container(s). By engaging the perimeter of the
pre-packaged material container(s), the barrel reduces and/or
eliminates expansion and provides for a more consistent and
efficient dispersion of the sealant from the pre-packaged material
container(s). In the descriptions of the various embodiments, the
pre-packaged material container(s) are referred to as the material
container, below.
[0031] Embodiments of the methods for dispensing sealants include
inserting a material container within a barrel of a dispensing
unit. The barrel of the dispensing unit may be an integrally formed
component of the dispensing unit, a removably attached component of
the dispensing unit, and/or a retrofitted barrel for attachment to
another dispensing unit already comprising, at least, a partial
barrel or attachment means for a barrel. A cavity is formed within
the barrel. In embodiments of the present invention, the material
container is positioned within the cavity of the barrel such that
the barrel substantially surrounds the material container. One
example of a material container includes a caulk tube in a
cylindrical shape. In this example, the cylindrical caulk tube is
placed into the cavity of the barrel, which is additionally
cylindrical, such that the curvilinear surface of the caulk tube is
in substantial communication with an inside surface of the barrel.
It, however, is understood that various shapes of greater or lesser
complexity, and shapes having planar portions, chamfered portions,
stepped portions, etc., can be substituted or added in a
complimentary fashion without departing from the scope or spirit of
the invention. In these variations, the perimeter of the material
container extending a longitudinal direction is in substantial
communication with the inside surface of the barrel. The perimeter
being the outer most boundary defining the material container
[0032] In embodiments of the present invention, a dispensing unit
includes a dispensing mechanism and the barrel. Extending from a
first longitudinal end of the barrel, and thereby a first
longitudinal end of the material container positioned within the
barrel, is the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism may
be manually operated mechanism or a powered mechanism. By example a
powered mechanism includes pneumatic devices, electrical devices,
hydraulic devices, or the like. For the sake of this discussion, a
manually operated mechanism is illustrated in the figures. In
particular, the manually operated mechanism is an advancing
mechanism with a handle and moveable trigger, moveable in relation
to the handle. A user grasps both the handle and the moveable
trigger with one hand moving the trigger back and forth from the
handle. This movement advances or indexes a plunger, attached to
the end of a drive rod extending from the dispensing mechanism,
into the first longitudinal end of the material container. Examples
of an advancing mechanism include a ratcheting mechanism having a
sawtooth rod, a shimmying mechanism having a smooth rod, a
combination thereof, or the like. The advanced plunger forces the
sealant from the first longitudinal end of the material container,
proximal the first longitudinal end of the barrel, to a nozzle on
the material container at an opposite second longitudinal end of
the material container, proximal the second longitudinal end of the
barrel. The sealant is forced from the material container and
dispensed through the nozzle of the material container onto a work
surface. As mentioned above, a dispensing mechanism is not limited
to an advancing mechanism and may include any manual or powered
driven mechanism, examples of which may also include conveyor
systems, pulley systems, pump systems, or the like.
[0033] In some embodiments, a release tab is provided at the
dispensing mechanism for releasing the force exerted by the plunger
into the first longitudinal end of the material container. Simply,
the release tab disengages the dispensing mechanism from the drive
rod. The release tab may also include a no-drip mechanism or be
used in combination with a no-drip mechanism. The release tab of
the no-drip mechanism may be designed to not fully disengage the
dispensing mechanism from the drive rod but, instead, may slightly
retract the drive rod, back toward the dispensing mechanism, after
driving the drive rod forward. In other words and by example, the
dispensing mechanism may drive the drive rod forward, but, between
each advancing movement the drive rod retracts a fraction of the
distance it previously advanced. This may be accomplished by
providing some slack in the advancing mechanism, providing a
compressible medium at the plunger, or the like. Such a retracting
movement is not limited to a dispensing mechanism of the advancing
type but may be incorporated with any of the dispensing mechanisms
contemplated in combination with the present invention. Simply
stated, for every forward movement of the plunger, a return
movement of lesser quantity may be provided. The dispensing
mechanism may incorporate a release tab separate from a no-drip
mechanism, in combination with a no-drip mechanism, or may allow a
user to choose between the release tab and the no-drip
mechanism.
[0034] Another example of a no-drip mechanism includes a pliable
(i.e. rubber) gasket, referred to herein as the donut, attached to
the perimeter of the plunger rod. The donut is positioned between
the plunger and an inside surface of the material container. In
this embodiment, the donut is moveably engaged with the inside
surface of the material container and has an outside diameter
greater than the inside diameter of the material container (in this
particular example, the material container referred to here is a
cylindrical tube). The friction between the donut and the material
container maintains the position of the plunger within the material
container. However, since the donut has an outside diameter greater
than the inside diameter of the material container, the donut
provides for retraction of the plunger from within the material
container in a similar manner the drive shaft is retracted, above.
The donut may be used in combination with or independent of other
no-drip mechanisms. When used in combination with other no-drip
mechanisms, the life of the donut may be increased.
[0035] Other examples of a no-drip mechanism are found in issued
U.S. Pat. No. 8,857,673 B3, entitled CAULKING GUN WITH DRIP FREE
MECHANISM, and issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,904,91 B2, entitled CAULKING
GUN WITH TIP CUTTER MECHANISM. Reference is made to both of these
patents for general discussion of a no-drip mechanism and these
references are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0036] In various embodiments, the dispensing mechanism may include
an adjustable thrust unit for adjusting the adjustable thrust ratio
(ATR). Using the advancing system as an example, the adjustable
thrust unit adjusts the amount of travel effected on the drive rod
in relation to the movement between the handle and the moveable
trigger. In other words, the degree of travel of the plunger
through the material container is adjustable as an adjustment in
the ratio of the energy exerted at the handle and moveable trigger.
By example, the adjustable thrust unit of the present invention
would provide a reduction in the amount of travel of the push rod
with each respective movement of the moveable trigger at the
handle, when used with sealants of higher viscosity. In other
words, the amount of energy required to move sealants of high
viscosity is reduced at the moveable trigger at the handle. In
contrast, when using the dispensing unit with a sealant of low
viscosity, the adjustable thrust unit may be adjusted to provide an
increased amount of travel at the push rod with each respective
movement of the moveable trigger. The adjustable thrust unit of the
present invention is contemplated to adjust the adjustable thrust
ratio regardless of the type of dispensing mechanism and is thereby
not limited to an advancing mechanism.
[0037] In some embodiments, the barrel may comprise a first barrel
portion and a second barrel portion. In one embodiment, the first
barrel portion is attached to the dispensing mechanism. The first
barrel portion forms a seating surface for the material container.
The second barrel portion may be moveably attached to the first
barrel portion by a pivot mechanism. In the present invention, the
pivot mechanism may include removable attachment, pivotal
attachment, rotatable attachment, slidable attachment, and/or the
like. In one embodiment, the pivot mechanism is a hinge connecting
the first barrel portion to the second barrel portion. The pivot
mechanism may be at the first longitudinal end, the second
longitudinal end, and/or positioned along a longitudinal length of
the barrel. In some embodiments, the first and second barrel
portions may be entirely disengaged from one another. The barrel
may further include a lip extending into the cavity at a second
longitudinal end. The lip may be formed on the first barrel portion
and/or the second barrel portion. This lip provides an edge for the
material container to abut, thereby, maintaining the material
container within the cavity.
[0038] In various embodiments, the pivot mechanism transitions the
barrel between a closed position and an open position. When in the
closed position, the second barrel portion faces the first barrel
portion in an opposite facing direction such that the first barrel
portion and the second barrel portion are in an inverted
relationship. Between the first barrel portion and the second
barrel portion, a cavity is formed and is substantially enclosed
within the barrel. Within this cavity is where the material
container is placed.
[0039] In embodiments of the method for dispensing sealant, upon
inserting the material container within the barrel of the
dispensing unit, the barrel is moved into the closed position. In
the closed position the material container is substantially encased
within the cavity of the barrel. The perimeter of the material
container is in substantial communication with the inside surface
of the barrel. When in the open position the second barrel portion
may pivot to at least one side of the first barrel portion, thereby
providing access into the cavity. As mentioned above, access may be
provided into the cavity by pivoting the second barrel portion at
the first longitudinal end, the second longitudinal end, and/or
removing the second barrel portion from the first barrel portion,
entirely. In yet other embodiments, the second barrel portion may
be pivotally, rotatably, slideably and/or removably attached to the
dispensing mechanism.
[0040] In combination with the pivot mechanism, a clasp mechanism
may be used to secure the first barrel portion to the second barrel
portion in the closed position. The clasp mechanism is affixed to
the second barrel portion and removably fastened to the first
barrel portion, or vice versa. The removably fastened end of the
clasp mechanism may include one or more sawtooth(s) which removably
engage the first barrel portion. The first barrel portion may
additionally include raised edges, or oppositely facing
sawtooth(s), which the one or more sawtooth(s) of the clasp
mechanism engage and/or clasp onto. The clasp mechanism may be
constructed of a pliable material so it is easily engaged and
disengaged at the first barrel portion. In some embodiments,
multiple clasp mechanisms may be used. In yet other embodiments, a
clasp mechanism may be used in place of the pivot mechanism. Other
clasp mechanisms are additionally contemplated and include locks,
latches, hooks, bolts, screws, VELCRO.RTM. closures, or the
like.
[0041] A rapid open and/or close mechanism may also be provided.
The rapid open and/or close mechanism may be separate from or in
combination with the clasp mechanism. A rapid open and/or close
mechanism (referred to herein as the rapid mechanism) provides for
quick engagement and/or disengagement at the clasp mechanism. Such
a mechanism may comprise a button and/or pressure point for
disengaging the clasp mechanism from the barrel. The rapid
mechanism may be provided at the clasp mechanism, at the barrel, at
the pivot mechanism, at the release tab, and/or at the dispensing
mechanism (i.e. the handle, the moveable trigger, or the like). The
position of the rapid mechanism may further increase the efficiency
of use of the dispensing unit by placing it in proximity to the
user's hand.
[0042] Although the description and figures illustrate and describe
the components of the dispensing unit in one particular
configuration, the components of the dispensing unit may be
provided in an orientation of a respective handedness. Handedness
includes preferences reflective of left-handedness,
right-handedness, mixed-handedness, ambidexterity, or the like. By
example, the current figures represent an right-handedness
orientation such that when a user engages the handle with their
right hand the clasp mechanism may be positioned to the left side
of the barrel when facing the dispensing end of the barrel.
Likewise, the clasp mechanism may be positioned to the top, bottom,
or at any other position on the barrel based upon user preference,
including handedness. Likewise, the pivot mechanism may
additionally be positioned relative the clasp mechanism based upon
the above selected preferences, including handedness. The features
of the handle may also be orientated relative to handedness. By
example, the release tab and/or drive rod may be oriented to one
side or another of the handle, respective of handedness. Moreover,
in an embodiment where the barrel is a removeably attached
component of the dispensing unit, the barrel may be configured to
be attached to the handle from either end. Thereby, the barrel may
be flipped with respect to the handle and allow the handedness to
be changed.
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention include use with
material containers of a variety of sizes. In some embodiments, the
dispensing unit, including the barrel, are formed to receive
material containers of a respective size, including 10 ounce
containers, 20 ounce containers, or the like. Regardless of the
respective size of the material container, the barrel is formed to
be in substantial communication with or to engage the entire
perimeter of the material container. As used herein, a substantial
communication with includes engagement with 80% or more of the
perimeter of the material container. When the material container is
in a cylindrical shape, the barrel is formed to be in substantial
communication with, 80% or more, of the curved perimeter, not
including the ends. Another embodiment may include a barrel which
engages the entire curved perimeter, not including the ends, of a
material container in a cylindrical shape.
[0044] In other embodiments, the barrel of the dispensing unit may
be adjusted to accommodate material containers of different sizes.
By example, an adjustment mechanism may be provided at the barrel
in order to maintain the barrel in communication with the material
container. The adjustment mechanism may include spacers or
extensions provided at the barrel or added to the barrel and,
therefore, becoming a part of the barrel with respect to the amount
of engagement with the material container. The adjustment mechanism
may compensate for material containers of various sizes or shapes,
and in particular, for sizes or shapes different than the shape of
the cavity formed within the barrel. By using the adjustment
mechanism, the size of the cavity is adjusted so that the material
container, upon being placed within the cavity, is in substantial
communication with the inside surface of the barrel, and/or in
substantial communication with the adjustment mechanism used in
combination with the barrel. In some embodiments, the inside
surface of the barrel may be adjustable. By example, a bladder may
be used to expand and/or contract the inside surface of the barrel.
Mechanical structures may, additionally or alternatively, be used
to adjust the position or the size of the inside surface of the
barrel. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may be at the
clasp mechanism and/or the pivot mechanism. By example, the barrel
may expand, translate, fold, or contact at the clasp mechanism
and/or the pivot mechanism. In another example, the first barrel
portion may overlap the second barrel portion until the desired
cavity dimensions are achieved, or vice versa.
[0045] By engaging the perimeter of the material container with the
interior surface of the barrel, expansion is reduced or eliminated.
Expansion occurs when the plunger, which is used to force sealant
material through the material container by the dispensing
mechanism, drives the sealant from the first longitudinal end of
the material container to the second longitudinal end of the
material container. The force exerted on the sealant within the
material container forces the container to expand and/or bulge at
its perimeter. Between each pump of the dispensing mechanism, the
material container flexes and, in response, draws the plunger back
towards the dispensing mechanism. This is referred to as plunger
pushback. Plunger pushback reduces the effective sustained actuator
stroke of the dispensing mechanism, thereby compromising the
efficiency of the dispensing unit. By engaging the interior surface
of the barrel against the perimeter of the material container, the
expansion and/or bulging is reduced or eliminated. As a result,
plunger pushback is reduced or eliminated. Thereby, the efficiency
of the effective sustained actuator stroke is improved.
[0046] Test results performed on a prototype of the present
invention, wherein the perimeter of the material container is in
substantial communication with the inside surface of the barrel,
illustrate the increased efficiency of the present invention. By
example, in comparison to a caulk gun currently found on the
market, wherein the material container is not encased in the cavity
of a barrel, a 45% increase in efficiency was achieved by the
present invention. In this particular test, 5.5 ounces of Loxon
Polyurethane was delivered with 20 actuations of the trigger of a
caulk gun, currently found on the market. In contrast, using an
identical dispensing mechanism, but having the perimeter of the
material container in substantial communication with the barrel, 8
ounces of Loxon Polyurethane was delivered with 20 actuations of
the trigger, using an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Further increasing the efficiency of the dispensing unit of
the present invention, a material container tip cut-off knife may
be incorporated. The tip cut-off knife may be attached to the
dispensing unit or may be detachable and re-attachable to the
dispensing unit. Also attached to the dispensing unit, separate
from or in combination with the tip cut-off knife, may be a
puncture mechanism for extending through and puncturing the
material container before use. The puncture mechanism may be
removably, rotatably, pivotally, rigidly, slidably, etc. attached
to the dispensing unit.
[0048] Referring now to the drawings wherein the figures are for
the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the
invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, the Figures
show a dispensing unit.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit 10 in an
open position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit 10
in a closed position. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a dispensing unit 10
comprises a barrel 20. The barrel 20 includes a first barrel
portion 30 and a second barrel portion 40 with an inside surface
90. A dispensing mechanism 50 is located at the first longitudinal
end 130 of the barrel 20. Opposite the first longitudinal end 130
is the second longitudinal end 140. The dispensing mechanism 50
includes a handle 100 and a moveable trigger 110. Extending through
the dispensing mechanism 50 and into the barrel is a push rod 120
with a plunger attached thereto within the barrel. A pivot
mechanism 60 moveable connects the first barrel portion 30 and the
second barrel portion 40. With particular reference to FIG. 1,
attached to the second barrel portion 40 is a clasp mechanism
70.
[0050] FIG. 3 is an end view of a barrel 20 from the second
longitudinal end of the barrel 20 in a closed position. FIG. 9 is
an end view of a dispensing unit 10 having a barrel 20 taken from
the first longitudinal end of the barrel 20 in the closed position.
In FIGS. 3 and 9, a lip 150 is located at the second longitudinal
end, providing an edge for the material container to abut within a
cavity formed by the insider surface 90 of the barrel. The barrel
20 includes a first barrel portion 30 and a second barrel portion
40 with an inside surface 90. The clamp mechanism 70 comprises
sawtooth(s) 80 for engaging and securing the second barrel portion
40 to the first barrel portion 30 at the clamp mechanism 70.
Laterally opposite the clamp mechanism 70 is a pivot mechanism 60
which moveably connects the first barrel portion 30 to the second
barrel portion 40. The same features, aside from the lip, are
illustrated in a lateral cross-sectional view of a barrel of FIG.
4. With particular reference to FIG. 9, a handle 100 is further
illustrated.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a barrel
20. A first longitudinal end 130 is opposite a second longitudinal
end 140. A lip 150 is formed on the second longitudinal end 140.
Attached to the first longitudinal end 130 is an attachment system
160 for removeably attaching a barrel 20 to a handle. An end view
of a barrel 20 form the second longitudinal end is provided in FIG.
6 to further illustrate the attachment system 160. In this
particular embodiment, the attachment system 160 includes a
semi-circular hooking mechanism 170 for slidably engaging a plate
and/or fasteners on a handle. Other examples of an attachment
mechanism include any mechanical fastener which may rigidly,
pivotally and/or rotatably secure a barrel to a handle.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a side view of a dispensing unit 10 having a
handle 100 and a barrel 20. The barrel 20 is in a closed position.
A pivot mechanism 60 for moveably connecting the first barrel
portion 30 to the second barrel portion 40 is illustrated. FIG. 8
is also a side view of a dispensing unit 10 having a handle 100 and
a barrel 20. Again, the barrel 20 is in a closed position. A clamp
mechanism 70 for engaging and securing the second barrel portion 40
to the first barrel portion 30 is illustrated.
[0053] FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a top view and a bottom view of a
dispensing unit 10 in a closed position, respectively. In FIG. 10
the second barrel portion 40 of the barrel 20 is illustrated with a
clamp mechanism 70 and a pivot mechanism 60. The barrel 20 is
attached to a handle 100. In FIG. 11 the first barrel portion 30 of
the barrel 20 is illustrated with sawtooths 80 engaging the clamp
mechanism 70. Also illustrated in FIG. 11 is the pivot mechanism
60.
[0054] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate additional embodiments of a
dispensing unit 10. FIG. 12 illustrates a dispensing unit 10 having
a larger clamp mechanism 70. FIG. 13 illustrates a dispensing unit
10 having a barrel 20 with a larger lip 150. FIG. 14 illustrates a
dispensing unit 10 with a barrel 20 in an open position comprising
a larger clamp mechanism 70 and a barrel 20 with a larger lip 150.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the same but in a closed
position.
[0055] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used
in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as
indicating an open group that may include other elements not
specified. The terms "a," "an," and the singular form of words
shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such
that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The
terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably.
The term "single" shall be used to indicate that one and only one
of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values,
such as "two," are used when a specific number of things are
intended. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer,"
"optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an
item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not
required) feature of the invention.
[0056] While this invention has been described with reference to
particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such
description is by way of illustration only and should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.
Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be
defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it
is understood that the features of any specific embodiment
discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any
one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein
unless otherwise stated.
* * * * *